Preparing for Divorce in Orange County

Three Significant Aspects of Divorce

Divorce is a challenging process both financially and emotionally. Even if you and your spouse are fairly content with the prospect of separation, issues concerning child custody and division of property can rouse resentment and frustration when you least expect it. By fully preparing yourself for the divorce proceedings, you will be able to handle any discrepancies that may arise. At The Law Office of Bruce C. Bridgman, we are fully invested in your divorce from the moment you hire our firm. We will help you anticipate all that your divorce will require of you, so that you can feel confident and prepared.

It is important to consider these three critical aspects of your divorce:

#1: Hire an Experienced Divorce Lawyer

If you are considering a divorce without a lawyer, you could face a number of difficulties. Before your divorce can be finalized, you must outline a settlement agreement with your spouse. This document will detail all of the decisions that you and your spouse have made, from division of property and debt to child custody and
child support. You and your spouse may be in total accord over the settlement agreement, but if it is written in such a way that confuses or displeases the judge, you may be required to start from scratch, or the judge could intervene and settle the divorce against your best wishes.

A competent divorce attorney in Orange County will know how to complete this settlement agreement in a way that prevents any backlash in court. Ideally, you should interview three divorce attorneys before cutting anyone a check. You want a lawyer with at least five years of experience, but, above all, they must be prepared to settle your case quickly and fight for you if necessary. Attorney Bruce C. Bridgman has over 30 years of family law experience, and his team of divorce lawyers is prepared to take your case to court. Call now to set up a
free case evaluation with our firm.

#2: Make a List of Property and Debts

One of the first steps of your divorce will be the division of property and debt. Here, you will take a look at any joint bank accounts and determine if you will split the account down the middle or if you will take on one account and your spouse will acquire another. If one of these accounts contains more money than the other, your spouse may take a vehicle or other assets to cover the difference. Most couples begin this process by making a list of all properties and debts. In order to complete this list without dispute, you and your spouse will need to be as thorough as possible.

Prepare for this by gathering any financial documents you have kept on file including:

Tax returns

Bank statements

Receipts

Mortgage statements

Car titles

#3: Be On Your Best Behavior

Before, during and after your divorce, it is important to watch what you say and do. This is a time when you will be under scrutiny, particularly in the face of hotly contested issues. It is important to be careful of how you conduct yourself, both personally and professionally, during these times. This is especially important if you and your spouse are struggling to agree on issues like child custody. Be mindful of your activity on social media and avoid expressing any frustration you may have.

It may also be wise to avoid dating and excessive partying. You want the judge to know that you are a responsible parent. If you don't have an Orange County divorce lawyer in your corner, you may very well say or do something that prevents you from getting the results that you desire. Our firm takes a personal approach to each of our divorce cases. We want to get to know you so that we can coach you through this difficult process and achieve the best possible outcome when it is all said and done.

Contact Us Today For Your Free Consultation

At The Law Office of Bruce C. Bridgman, we know what it takes to be fully prepared for a divorce. Whether your divorce will be settled inside or outside of court, it is in your best interest to hire a skilled divorce attorney to help you prepare for this difficult process. If you are still undecided, call us for your free evaluation. We are available 24/7 and we look forward to helping you.